It's Complicated: A Reservations Story

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Beckett’s chest vibrated as he spoke, drawing Julian’s attention.

Yeah. No. Maybe. Hell, he didn’t know if he’d ever be okay again after tonight. He couldn’t force himself to think about anything besides the comfort of Beckett’s embrace.

“I’m not freaking out. No flashbacks, if that’s what you mean. I’m more than okay. Well, other than the come drying on my stomach, I’m great.”

“Yep, we forgot the towel. And I need to get rid of this condom. Hold on.” The warmth against his back disappeared as the mattress dipped and Beckett stood from the bed.

Julian rolled over, watching that perfect ass flex as he walked to the bathroom. That man had an ass for days. His cock stirred at the thought of a second round. He would love to have Beckett as a client. When Beckett disappeared behind the door, Julian flopped to his back and sighed. What was he thinking? What was the deal with his emotions? Why was he so conflicted over wanting his old life back?

“I hope that look on your face doesn’t have anything to do with my performance.” Beckett’s smile faded as he dropped down on the bed and wiped the warm wet towel across Julian’s stomach.

“Your performance definitely received a standing ovation, and I’m hoping for an encore,” he said quickly, slipping back behind the veneer of his old life. He would find his answers soon enough. Right now was a time for basking in the energetic end of such a long dry spell.

Chapter 32

The crown molding and crystal chandelier grandeur of the Georgian-style villa fit Julian to a tee. The early morning view of the bay from the third story balcony attached to the main bedroom did speak to Beckett’s soul. He liked the scenery, envisioning breakfasts on the terrace with his love while watching the sun rise, but nothing else about the place attracted him. Beckett turned back to the gorgeous bedroom as he scanned the custom-made furnishings.

“It’s not for you?” Brigit Dougherty, the realtor Beckett had hired and worked sleuth-like with, asked from the entry into the room. He could hear the disappointment in her voice as the planner in her hands slapped decidedly closed and her arms gathered at her chest.

“It fits one of us.” Beckett shoved his hands in the front pockets of his slacks as he stepped fully back inside the room.

So many doubts plagued Beckett even as everything vibing off Julian pointed toward the commitment Beckett was ready to make. He desperately wanted their happily ever after. A relationship so strong, nothing could break them apart. Only then would he truly be content.

Thinking along those lines reaffirmed his decision to find a place that would please them both. Images from the last twenty-four hours flipped like snapshots in his head. In action, Julian had given Beckett everything he wanted, but Julian hadn’t said those three little words. It didn’t truly matter; they both had recognized the magic they had shared when together. The sweet way Julian had clung to Beckett after sex… Fuck, Julian had a way of making Beckett feel special.

More than any other desire coursing through him, he wanted to care for Julian for the rest of his life.

Julian had to know that Beckett would bind them together if ever given the chance.

Maybe that was why Julian chose Beckett to be his first lover since the incident.

“Okay, I see you’re really thinking about it,” the realtor said. “I have one more listing for you to see. And I honestly believe it’s the best suited for you.” Brigit looked down at her watch then pivoted on her heels. “It’s almost seven thirty. The next property should be available for a walk-through. The family wanted to wait until they left for work.” She stepped toward the ornate stairwell. “After all the places we’ve seen this morning, I think 64 Spinnaker Way may be the one. It’s a corner property with a gorgeous water view and has private access to a boat dock. It’s a three-bedroom, two-bath, with a private patio that comes beautifully landscaped and a nice size swimming pool…”

Beckett stood at the railing, looking down over the spiral stairwell as she made her way to the front foyer. The elevator behind him was a nice touch to the house, but Beckett couldn’t help thinking about himself. He’d feel caged in if he had to live there. Locked behind closed doors with Julian was one thing. A quite different story if he ended up living here alone.

If that happened, he’d have to sell the place.

Beckett turned around again, taking in everything about the fine home. It was so damn sophisticated. Most of the third floor was dedicated to the main bedroom. Julian’s furniture would work well here.

His phone vibrated in his back pocket. He pulled it free; Julian’s sleepy face filled the screen. Beckett swiped a thumb over the display, already lost in his handsome guy. “You’re supposed to be asleep. Why are you awake?”